Sprinkler system for piers



July 18, 1950 H. N; RIDER SPRINKLE SYSTEM FOR PIERS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 3, 194B INVENTQR.

Harry/V. Ede/1 ATTOE/VEK u y 1950 H. N. RIDER 2,515,473

SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR PIERS Filed Jan. s, 1948 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 K .n E 6 M w 1 A r/ r I r a fiW Y B 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 H. N. RIDER SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR PIERS 6 7 7' ORA/5K INVENTQR. Harry M P/aen July 18, 1950 Filed Jan. 3, 1948 July 18, 1950 H. N. RIDER SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR PIERS '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 3, 194a OOOOOOO INVENIOR. flaw y /V. PIG 6r. W

M M 0 r r A wlwm fimfly M, 1950 H. N; RmER SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR PIERS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 3, 1948 SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR PIERS Filed Jan. 3, 1948 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. flan/"y /V. E! dam A T TGJ Y.

July 18, 1950 H. NQRIDER SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR PIERS 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filedl Jan. 5, 1948 4 l g C Patented July 18, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,515,473 SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR PIERS corporation of Delaware Application January 3, I948, SerialNo. 461

This invention relates to automatic fire extinguishing systems and more particularly to an automatic sprinkler system particularly adapted for installation on piers and the like wherein it is subjected to unusual operating conditions.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of an automatic sprinkler system for a p1er.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an automatic sprinkler system incorporating interconnected dual operating means.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an automatic sprinkler system operable-on rate of rise actuation means and/or fixed temperature actuation means.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a sprinkler system incorporating dual control valves, one of which dual valves is actuated by loss of low air pressure from the distributing pipe of the sprinkler system and the other valve of which is actuated by a separate and distinct system of pneumatic thermostats.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a sprinkler system for a pier making possible a reduction in the number of automatic valves heretofore believed necessary.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of an automatic sprinkler system wherein a dry pipe type of sprinkler valve and a thermostatically actuated sprinkler valve are employed as dual control means and are interconnected for dual operation originated by either system.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a sprinkler system capable of the quick detection of fire and operation as a preaction type sprinkler system.

The sprinkler system for piers shown and described herein incorporates constructions novel in the art of fire protection particularly devised for efiicient fire protection on piers and similar structures. It is well known that many serious losses have resulted from fires occurring .on piers 15 Claims.

Proposals have been mad in the past to incorporate sprinkler protection beneath the floor structure and such installations as have been made have not generally been successful due to "the unusual conditions existing in the pier structures due to varying water levels occasioned by high and low tides and the like and the difficulty of locating and maintaining sprinkler valves in the relatively inaccessible areas beneath the pier floors.

The present invention relates to a dual action sprinkler system which may be installed on a pier beneath the floor thereof to provide adequate fire control therebeneath and thereabove. The control valves of the sprinkler system herein disclosed are located at the shore end of the pier where they may be easily inspected and maintained as is necessary, and the sprinkler system itself, extending out onto the pier or in under it, together with its actuation means is so arranged that the majority of the supervision necessary is eliminated or made possible from the shore end of the pier.

The sprinkler system disclosed herein thereby meets the several objects of the invention as hereinbefore stated by providing an automatic sprinkler system which may be installed on a pier and relied upon to effectively protect the pier and any superstructure thereon from damage by fire.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed can be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The. invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a pier showing the sprinkler system and control means diagrammatically illustrated in position thereon.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of a pier showing the sprinkler system and control means diagrammatically illustrated in position thereon.

Figure 3 is a composite view of the automatic control valves, distributing piping and control means of the automatic sprinkler system.

Figure 4 is a side elevation of the control valves, air supply means and interconnecting means of the sprinkler system.

Figure 5 is a side elevation taken on line 5--5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detailed elevation of a remote control unit employed in the sprinkler system illustrated in Figures 1 and 3.

Figure 7 is a side elevation of the remote control unit of the sprinkler system shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a cross section of a portion of the remote control unit shown in Figure 6 and taken on line 88 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a cross section of a remote control unit comprising a part of the sprinkler system illustrated in Figure 4.

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic illustration of a release mechanism incorporated in the sprinkler system.

Figure 11 is a View of an indicating panel comprising a part of a sprinkler system illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4.

By referring to the drawings and Figures 1 and 2 in particular it will be seen that a pier has been illustrated and comprises a fioor I carried upon piling l6 and extending outwardly over the surface I! of a body of water forming, in effect, an extension of a shore level I8. In order that the pier floor i5 and the piling I6 supporting the same and any superstructure erected thereon may be protected from fire, a fire extinguishing system is installed on the pier. The fire extinguishing system comprises distributing piping [9 which is graduated as to size as it extends outwardly along the pier and is provided at predetermined locations with normally closed fusible sprinklers 20. The shore end of the distributing piping I9 communicates with a manifold 2| which in turn communicates with a pair of automatic sprinkler valves generally indicated by the numerals 22 and 23, respectively. Each of the automatic valves 22 and 23 is also in communication with a water supply source (see also Figure 4), indicated by the numeral 24.

The automatic sprinkler valves 22 and 23 are normally closed and the distributing piping [9 of the sprinkler system is normally filled with supervisory air pressure 3 to 5 p. s i. as supplied by an air pump 25. (See also Figure 4.) The air pump 25 is preferably of the hydraulically actuated type known in the art and capable of being continuously actuated by water from the water supply source 24, as shown in my patent, No. 2,251,423, issued August 5, 1941, and is therefore known in the art. The automatic valve 22 is a low air pressure dry pipe valve such as disclosed in my Patent No. 2,251,422, issued August 5, 1941, and known in the art, and capable of automatic actuation upon loss of supervisory air pressure from the distributing piping l9. Such loss of supervisory air pressure is occasioned by the fusing and opening of one of the sprinklers 20.

The automatic valve 23 is a thermostatically actuated sprinkler valve such as disclosed in the patent to Lowe, No. 2,099,069, issued November 16, 1937, and known in the art, and is responsive in operation to an increase of pressure in a pneumatic thermostatic system 26 extended into the fire area and in communication with the valve 23 and more particularly a release mechanism incorporated therein. The release mechanism incorpneumatic thermostatic system in communication with the automatic sprinkler valve 23 is illustrated and will be seen to comprise a plurality of lines of air tubing 26 extending out on the pier from the automatic valve 23 and establishingcommunication with a plurality of remote control units 21. The remote control units 27 are illustrated in enlarged detail in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings and are described in detail herein. Each of the remote control units 2'! is connected by means of suitable lengths of air tubing 28 with a plurality of heat actuated devices 29. The heat actuated devices 29 are positioned throughout the fire area of the pier lboth below the floor l5 and thereabove and may obviously be extended into any superstructures erected on the pier.

By referring now to Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings it will be seen that the actuating means of the automatic sprinkler valve 23 is connected electrically with a solenoid actuated pressure relief valve 30 which in turn is in communication by way of pipes 3| and 32 and the air pump 25 with the air pressure side of the automatic sprinkler valve 22 and capable of venting air from the sprinkler valve 22 and the distributing piping l9 in communication therewith faster than the air pump 25 can replace the same thereby causing the opening of the automatic valve 22 and the admission of water from the supply source 24 to the distributing piping l9.

Still referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings it will be seen that the interconnections between the automatic valves 22 and 23 and the remote control units 2! are illustrated and it will be observed in connection with Figure 4 of the drawings that a pipe 32 communicates with the automatic valve 22, the air pump 25 and with a pneumatic impulse originating unit 33. The pipe 32 also extends to a remotely situated water motor alarm, not shown. The pneumatic impulse originating unit 33 is also illustrated in Figure 9 of the drawings and specifically described in connection therewith. Air tubing 34 connects the pneumatic impulse originating unit 33 with a release mechanism 64 comprising a portion of the automatic sprinkler valve 23. The release mechanism 64 is shown in Figure 3 of the drawings and described herein in connection therewith. Upon the opening of the automatic sprinkler valve 22, as heretofore described, water pressure therefrom will operate the pneumatic impulse originating unit 33 and originate a pneumatic impulse which will be conveyed by the air tubing 34 to the release mechanism 64 of the automatic sprinkler valve 23 and cause the actuation of the same.

It will thus be seen that the sprinkler system comprises distributing piping l9 in communication with the water supply source by way of the automatic sprinkler valves 22 and 23. It will also be seen that loss of supervisory air pressure from the distributing piping I9 normally maintained therein by the pump 25 will automatically open the sprinkler valve 22 and, as a result of the opening thereof, the pneumatic impulse originating unit 33 in communication therewith will cause the opening of the automatic sprinkler valve 23 as heretofore described.

Previous description relates to fixed temperature operation of the sprinkler system occasioned by fusing and opening of one of the sprinklers 20. The following description relates to operation of the sprinkler system on a rateof-rise principle as occasioned by a relatively rapid increase of temperature in any of the areas supervised by the heat actuated devices 29. Such rate-of-rise actuation normally actuates the sprinkler system well in advance of any fusing and opening of the sprinklers 20 by reason of the generation of pressure in the heat actuated devices andv the conveying of the same by way of the communicating air tubing 28 to one of the remote control units 21 where a secondary pneumatic impulse is originated and conveyed to the release mechanism of the automatic sprinkler valve 23 by the air tubing 26. The release mechanism of the automatic sprinkler valve 23 is actuated by the secondary impulse conveyed thereto and opens the sprinkler valve 23 by releasing a weight which in turn unlatches a clapper 23A in the automatic sprinkler valve 23 and thereby opens the same so that water from a supply source can flow into the distributing piping l5. Simultaneously with the unlatching of the clapper of the automatic sprinkler valve, the release mechanism thereof actuates an electric switch closing an electric circuit through the solenoid valve 35 in communication with the air pressure side of the automatic sprinkler valve 22 by way of the pipe M. The opening of the solenoid valve 30 vents the air from the automatic sprinkler valve 22 and thereby causes the unlatching of the clapper thereof and the opening of the same.

I Thus, the sprinkler system combines the features of a dry pipe automatic sprinkler system actuated by loss of air from the distributing piping and the advantages of a rate-oi-rise thermostatically operated sprinkler system. It will thus be seen that the automatic valves 22 and 23 are interconnected so that operation of either one, as heretofore described, automatically operates the other. The provision of the two sprinkler Valves 22 and 23 and their separate and different actuating means insures the operation of the sprinkler system and an adequate volume of water being delivered to the distributing piping Hi from the supply source 24.

Ihe following description relates specifically to several of the component parts of the sprinkler system heretofore described.

By referring to Figure 6 of the drawings it will be seen that the remote control units El include devices new in the art of thermostatically actuated sprinkler systems and essential in the present disclosure in that a number of these remote control units 21 may be positioned along the pier being protected by the sprinkler system and individually serve as means of connecting a plurality of groups of the heat actuated de vices 29 with the automatic sprinkler valve 23.

As is known inthe art and as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, the heat actuated devices 29 comprise metallic enclosures confining air under atmospheric pressure or supervisory pressure. The heat actuated devices 29 are individually connected by means of air tubing in groups of not more than six with a fluid check valve so that individual impulses originated in one or more of the groups of heat actuated devices will not be lost by communication with other heat actuated devices 29 and the strength of the impulse thus originated dissipated thereby. The heat actuated devices 25 generate small pressures when subjected to heat and these pressures must of necessity be directed to a diaphragm in a release mechanism such as known in the art as a rate-of-rise actuated release (symbolically shown in Figure 11 and hereinafter described) in order to be effectively employed.

Still referring to Figure 6 of the drawings it will be seen that from one to six of the heat actuated devices 29 are connected by air tubing 28 with each of a plurality of connectors lettered A, B, C and D, respectively, in a common con- 6 nector block 35 mounted on each of the remote control units 21. Each of the common connectors A, B, C and D are placed in communication with individual mercury check valves 38 located within the remote control unit 21, communication bein established therewith through air tubing 39, it being observed that the compensating vents 4!] are also in communication with the air tubing 35 and the interior of the remote control unit 21. The mercury check valves 38 are in communication with one side of the diaphragm chamber of the release mechanism 36 which is subject in operation to increase of pressure as originated in the heat actuated devices 29 conveyed to the connectors A, B, C and D through the air tubing is and to the mercury check valves 38 through the air tubing 39. Air tubing 39A establishes communication between the mercury check valves 33 and the diaphragm chamber within the release mechanism 35. The result of pressure passing through the mercury check valves and moving the diaphragm in the release mechanism 36 will be to release the bifurcated lever 31. The compensating vent d5, heretofore referred to, is provided to enable supervisory air pressure as from the air pump 25 to be carried into the interiors of the heat actuated devices 29 and the air tubing 28 and 39 in communication therewith. Such supervisory air pressure is introduced into the housing of the remote control unit 2'! by Way of air tubing 4! and it is introduced into the interior of the remote control unit 21 after flowing through a restriction 42 and a mercury check valve 43.

Release of the bifurcated lever 31 occasioned by the actuation of the release mechanism 35 (as hereinafter described in connection with Figure 11 of the drawings) drops a link 44 which in turn is pivotally connected to a jack-arm 45. The jack-arm i5 is pivotally connected to a clevis 46.

By referring to Figures 6 and 8 of the drawings it will be seen that the clevis 46 comprises a portion of a spring actuated pressure originating device comprising a body member 4'! having a cap 48 thereon and a piston 49 reciprocally positioned therein. A connecting rod 50 threadably engages the clevis 46 and is affixed to the piston 49. A flexible diaphragm 5| is also aflixed to the piston lil and is secured at its periphery between the peripheral edge 52 of the cap 48 and an annular flange 53 of the body member 41 thereby defining an air chamber 54 larger within the cap 28. A coil spring 55 is positioned between the bottom of the body member 41 and the piston 49 and normally urges the piston 50 outwardly of the body member against the diaphragm 5| so as to reduce the area of the air chamber 54.

It will thus be seen that at such time as the release mechanism 36 in the remote control unit 21 operates, as from fire in the presence of one of the heat actuated devices 29 in communication therewith, the resulting action will be the freeing of the link 44 and the movement of the jack-arm 4-5 and piston 49 and diaphragm 5|. Air pressure is thus originated in the air chamber 54 by this mechanical motion initiated by the release mechanism 36, and upon the piston 49 reaching the maximum travel imparted thereto by the coil sprin 55 a portion 56 thereof will engage a normally closed valve member 51 and elevate it with respect to a valve seat 58 and thereby permit the air pressure in the air chamber 54 to pass through a valve body 59 and outwardly therefrom through an orifice 60. A coil spring -6l within the valve body '59 normally holds the valve element 51 on the valve seat 58. The tension of the coil spring 61 is adjustable by means of a cap screw 62 rotatably engaging the valve body 59. Air is normally supplied to the air chamber 54 through a compensating vent 63 in communication with the air chamber 54 and the interior of the remote control unit 21.

It will thus be seen that the resulting action from fire in the area supervised by any one of the several groups of heat actuated devices 29 in communication with any one of the remote control units 21 will be the operation of the release mechanism 36 in the affected remote control unit 2'! and the operation of the spring actuated pressure originating device 41.

The orifice 60 of the spring actuated pressure originating device communicates with the release mechanism 82 of the automatic sprinkler valve 23 by way of the tubular connection 26. Thus, a fire occurring in the area supervised by any one of the remote control units 21 results in the creation of a pneumatic impulse by the spring actuated pressure originating device 41 which in turn actuates the automatic sprinkler valve 23 and water flows into the distributing piping l9 to the closed sprinklers 20 thereon. At such time as this occurs, an alarm is given, either visual or audible or both, to indicate the presence of fire in the supervised area and as some little time elapses between the thermostatic actuation of the sprinkler system, as just described, and the actual fusing of the sprinklers 20, and the release of water therefrom, an opportunity is afforded for an attempt at manual extinguishment of the fire. If the fire is extinguished manually or otherwise, the water is not released from the sprinkler system as the sprinklers do not fuse. If on the other hand attempts at extinguishing the fire fail, the normal fusing of the sprinkler heads releases the water from a sprinkler system which then brings the fire under control.

Simultaneously with the admission of water to the distributing piping IQ of the sprinkler system, an electric switch on the release mechanism of the automatic sprinkler valve 23 operates to close the solenoid valve 3!, heretofore referred to, which vents the air pressure from the distributing piping l9 and thereby actuates the automatic sprinkler valve 22.

If the thermostatic fire detection system heretofore described fails to operate through the remote control units 21 to operate the automatic sprinkler valve 23, fire in the area of the distributing piping l9 and the sprinklers 23 thereon on the pier will fuse the sprinklers 20 and release the supervisory air pressure from the distributing piping I9. Such action will automatically open the automatic sprinkler valve 22 by releasing the air pressure therein at a rate faster than the hydraulic air pump 25 can replace it. Upon such operation of the automatic sprinkler valve 22, water from the pipe 32 thereof, provided for giving a hydraulically actuated fire alarm, will actuate the pneumatic impulse originating unit 33 (as heretofore described in connection with Figure 4 and as illustrated in detail in Figure 9).

The pneumatic impulse originated thereby will be conveyed by air tubing 34, as disclosed in Figure 4 of the drawings, to the automatic sprinkler valve 23 and in particular the release mechanism thereof and cause the operation of the same in exactly the same manner as pneumatic impulses originated by the spring actuated pres- 8 1 sure originating device in the remote control units 21 heretofore described.

By referring now to Figure 9 of the drawings the construction of the pneumatic impulse originating unit 33 will be seen to comprise the body member 33 having an inlet opening 66 in the bottom thereof and a cap 81 affixed to the top thereof. A Sylphon bellows 68 is disposed within the body member 33 of the pressure originating device and is normally distended by a coil spring 69 positioned therein so that the closed bottom portion of the Sylphon bellows 68 lies adjacent the inlet orifice 66 of the device. Water flowing from the alarm line 32 which directly communicates with the automatic sprinkler valve 22 causes the contraction of the Sylphon bellows 68 and thus builds up air pressure on the interior thereof which communicates with the air tubing 34 by means of orifices l0 and H in the cap 67 and the top piece of the Sylphon bellows 68, respectively. The pneumatic impulse originated by the pneumatic impulse originating unit 33 may be controlled by means of an adjustment screw 12 rotatably positioned in an upstanding member '13 positioned within the coil spring 69 and engaging the bottom of the Sylphon bellows 68. The outermost end of the screw 12 will engage a cap 15 which is threadably positioned in the sleeve 14 to control the degree of contraction of the Sylphon bellows 68 and hence the volume of the pneumatic impulse originated thereby.

In the foregoing description of the sprinkler system for piers disclosed herein, reference has been made to a release mechanism comprising an essential portion of each of the remote control units 21', the release mechanism being indicated by the numeral 36. A release mechanism is also employed in connection with the automatic sprinkler valve 23. These release mechanisms are known in the art and are symbolically illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawings.

By referring to Figures 10 and 6 of the drawings it will be seen that the casing 21 is illustrated and that the release mechanism 36 therein is illustrated and includes a diaphragm case 16 enclosing a flexible diaphragm 11 capable of being moved in two directions. A pin '18 is affixed to the diaphragm and extends outwardly through an opening in the casing 16. Air pressure from inside the remote control unit 21 passes through an opening in the left half of the diaphragm case as well as around the loosely fitted pin 18. The other half of the diaphragm case as separated by the diaphragm Ti is placed in communication by way of the air tubing 39A with the mercury check 33, the connector block 35 and the heat actuated devices 29. A compensating vent 19 is also in communication with the air tubing 39A at its point of communication with the diaphragm case '18. Thus, supervisory air pressure introduced into the remote control unit 27 will equalize through the compensating vents 4E) and 19 throughout the air tubing 39, 39A and 28 and the heat actuated devices 29 as well as on both sides of the diaphragm 11. A pivoted lever 88 is positioned in the release mechanism 36 with one end thereof pivoted to the end of the pin 18 so that the lever will be moved thereby. The opposite end of the lever 80 normally is positioned against one end of a secondary pivoted lever 8|. The bifurcated lever 31 (heretofore described in connection with Figure 6 of the drawings) is connected through a system of levers to the other end of the secondary lever 8| so that upon a pneumatic impulse originating 9 in a heat actuated; device, entering the remote control unit 211-, passing through the mercury checkrva-lver 38 and entering the release chamzber'on the right hand sideof. the diaphragm 11, will flex the diaphragm T! to the left as shown in. Figure 10: and thereby move the lever 89 sothat the opposite;- end thereof will move out of engagement with the secondary lever 8|. This will; permit the interconnecting levers to move as the secondary lever BI is freed and thereby permit. the bifurcated lever 31 to pivot and: drop the link 44 which permits the spring' actuated pneumatic pressure originating device 4] to function. The pneumatic pressure originated by the pneumatic pressure originating. device 41 is then conveyed through the air tubingr26 to the release mechanism on the automatic valve; which release mechanism is a duplicate of the release mechanism illustrated in Figure 10 of the drawmes.

The diaphragm in the release mechanism on thesprinkler valve 23" (see Figure 3' of the drawings) is generally indicated: by the numeral 82' and has a release finger 83 corresponding with the bifurcated lever 3-1, heretofore referred to, the: release finger 83-" normally holding a weight 84 in-elevated-position on a guide rod 85-. Levers 85- connected with; the bottom of the rod 85 are also connected with. a latch 81' normally retaining the clapper of the automatic sprinkler'valve 23' in closed position. Thus, actuation of the release 83 by the pressure impulse originated by the spring actuated pressure originating device 41 in the remote control unit 2'? causes the releasefinger 83 to move, drop-theweightlld which in. turn. moves: the levers 86. and the latch 81- and frees the clapper inthe automatic sprinkler valve- 23 thereby permitting the same to open; An electricswitch 8.3 is actuated whenthe weight 34 drops which in turn energizes the solenoid valve'fill on the valve: 22, as heretofore described, so-as to vent the. air from the distributing piping l9 and. thereby permit the automatic sprinkler valve 22 to open. Thus, operation of the dualsprinkler valves is simultaneous, either one'being capable of actua.tingtl1e other.

In order that the remote. control unit 21' on the pier' originating a pneumatic impulse and operating the sprinkler system may be checked or predetermined from the shore end of the pier, as, for example; from the valve house in which the sprinkler valves are normally located, pneumatic air tubing lines are extended fromeach of the remote controlqunits 2'? to a signal panel generally indicated. by the numeral 89- and illustrated: in Figure 1-1. By referring to Figures 1L and- 6:01" the drawings it will be seen that the interior of. the remote control unit 2-! is in: communication with an air tubing: line 90. which extends through the connector block 35 and back to the signal panel 89. Each of the air tubing lines- 99- which are in individual communication with. the interiors of each of. the remote control units 2.7 are connected with individual air pressuregauges 9 andwith pressure operated electric switches 92-. Thus the supervisory air pressure normally maintained within each of the remote control units Z-r'ton the pier isregistered in the valve house on-the shore end of the pier on. the signal panel 99-by the'g'auges 9|; and the electric switche 92' normally held open thereby. In the event of loss of supervisory air pressure from; any of: the remote controlunits 2-1 ortheir associated heat actuated devices, as heretofore described, signals, audible-nor visualv (not shown): may be operated: by the electric switches 92 and the remote: control unit responsible for so operating the signals by loss of pressure will be indicated bythe pressure gauges 91-. Thus, when a fire is detected on the pier by one or more of the heat actuated devices in communication with one of the remote control units 21, that fact is signaled on the signal panel 89 so that after the fire is brought under control the remote control unit 21' and particularly the release mechanism 36 therein may be manually reset.

Additional means'is provided for indicating'the operation of one of the remote control units 21 and by referring to Figures 6 and 11 of the drawings this means may be seen to comprise an electric switch 93 positioned on the release mechanism 36: Each of the remote control units 21 is electrically connected by means of wires 94 with individual signal lights 95- in the signal panel 89- on the shore end: of. the pier. This electric signaling: means operatively connected with each 01. the remote control units 21 may be utilized as" a check system in conjunction with the pneumatic system for signaling the actuation of any one of the remote control units or it may be utilized for test purposes in determining the set position oi the release mechanisms 36 in each of the-remotecontrol units 21-.

As heretofore explained, all of the supervisory air pressureused in both theremote control units 2'! and the thermopneumatic systems of heat actuated devices and: air tubing 29 is supplied by the hydraulically actuated air pump 25 usually located: in the valve house on the shore and of the pier; The supervisory air pressure maintained inthe thermopneumatic system of heat actuated devices is conveyed thereto from the pump 25 througlrtubing- 41', a drier 96, a restriction 91 and a mercury check 98-through air tubing 99 which communicates with the interior of the release mechanism 82 forming a part of the automatic valve 23.

As. is.- known. in. the art, loss of air pressure from the air pump 2-5 automatically provides for a hydraulically actuated alarm so that in the event-0t the operation of the system or rupture of any. of the supervisory air pressure supplying lines. an' alarm is promptly given. In the event 0t loss. of. supervisory air pressure from the air tubing 99' and 26 extending from the air pump 25, the remote control units 21' and to the release mechanism 82 on the automatic sprinkler valve 23, the automatic sprinkler valve 23 will operate asthe diaphragm will be moved by unbalancing of. the pressures on its-opposite sides. Ihe same is true of the release mechanisms 36 in each of the. remote control units as loss of air pressure from the. remote control units 21 or their interconnected thermopneuma-tic systems will cause the operation of therelease mechanism 82 as the diaphragm thereof will. be flexed in the opposite directionfrom that occasioned by pressure impulses directed thereagainst as heretofore described.

It will thus be seen that a sprinkler system for a pier has been illustrated: which makes possible the adequate supplying of extensive distributing piping with fire extinguishing fluid by the novel arrangement of a pair of automatic sprinkler valves normally separating the distributing piping: from. the water suppl source. The: sprinkler system is so arranged that it may her-thermostatically operated from pluralities of groups. 01": heat actuated devices in communication through a plurality of remote control units with one of the automatic sprinkler valves or by the fusing action of the sprinklers on the distributing piping serving to actuate the other of the automatic sprinkler valves. The automatic sprinkler valves are interconnected one to the other so that the automatic operation of either one results in the immediate automatic operation of the other.

It will thus be seen that the several objects of the invention are met by the sprinkler system disclosed herein.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes as occasioned by the fusing of said sprinklers, a secondary automatic valve in'connection with the said distributing pipes controlling the entrance of the fluid thereinto, thermostatic means in connection with said secondary automatic valve, said secondary automatic valve responsive in operation to said thermostatic means, and actuating means interconnecting the said automatic valve and the said secondary automatic valve, each of the said valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

2. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said. automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes as occasioned by the fusing of said sprinklers, a secondary automatic valve in connection with the said distributing pipes controllingthe entrance of fluid thereinto, a plurality of heat actuated devices and a pluralit of remote control units, several of the said heat actuated devices in connection with each of the said remote control units, the said remote control units responsive in operation to the said heat actuated devices, and means connecting the said remote control units with the said secondary automatic valve, the said secondary automatic valve being responsive in operation to the said remote control units, and actuating means interconnecting the said automatic valve and the secondary automatic valve, each of the said automatic valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

3. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes as occasioned by the opening of said fusible sprinklers, a secondary automatic valve in connection with the said distributing pipes controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, a plurality of pressure generating devices and a plurality of pressure generating control units, several of the said pressure generating devices in connection with each of the said pressure generating control units, the said pressure generating control units responsive in operation to the said pressure generating devices, and means connecting the said pressure generating control units with the said secondary automatic valve, the said sec ondary automatic valve being responsive in operation to the pressure generating control units and actuating means interconnecting the said automatic valve and the secondary valve, each of the said automatic valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

4. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, heat fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes as occasioned by the heat fusing of at least one of said sprinklers, a secondary automatic valve in connection with the said distributing pipes controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, a plurality of pressure generating devices and a plurality of pressure generating control units, several of the said pressure generating devices in connection with each of the said pressure generating control units, the said pressure generating control units responsive in operation to the said pressure generating devices, and means connecting the said pressure generating control units with the said secondary automatic valve, the said secondary automatic valve being responsive in operation to the pressure generating control units, air pressure venting means on said automatic valve and hydraulically actuated pressure generating means on said automatic valve, and means connecting the said secondary automatic valve and the said venting means, and means connecting the said secondary automatic valve and the said hydraulically actuated pressure generating means, the said automatic valve being responsive in operation to the said air pressure venting means and the said air pressure venting means being responsive in operation to the operation of the secondary automatic valve, the said secondary automatic valve being responsive in operation to the hydraulically actuated pressure generating means and the hydraulically actuated pressure generating means being responsive in operation to the operation of the said automatic valve.

5. In a sprinkler system comprising distributing piping having normally closed sprinklers thereon and a pair of control valves in parallel communication with said distributing piping and a fluid supply source, and means for supplying low air pressure to the said distributing piping, one of the said control valves being responsive in operation to loss of air pressure from the distributing piping as by the opening of a sprinkler thereon, a plurality of groups of pressure generating devices in a fire zone and a plurality of pressure generating control units in said fire zone and means establishing communication between each of the said groups of pressure generating devices and the said pressure generating control units, the said pressure generating control units being responsive in operation to the pressure generating devices in the groups thereof in communication therewith, and means establishing communication between the pressure generating control units and the other one of the said pair of valves, the last mentioned valve being responsive in operation to the said pressure generating control units, and actuating means interconnecting the said control valves, each of the said control valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

6. In a sprinkler system comprising distributing: piping having normally closed sprinklers thereon and a pair of control valves. in. parallel communication with said distributing piping and as fluid supply source, and means for supplying low air pressure; tothe saiddistributing piping, one ofthe said control valves being responsive in operation talossof air' pressure from. the distributing piping as. by the opening of a sprinkler thereon, a: plurality of groups.- of pressure generating, devices in a fire zone and. a. plurality of pressure generating control: units insaid fire zone and means: establishing communication between each of the said groups of pressure genera-ting devices and the. said. pressure generating control units, the said pressure generating control units being responsive in operation to the pressure generating devices in. the groups thereof in communication therewith, and means establishing communication: between the pressure generating control and; the: other one of the said pair of valves; the last mentioned valve being responsiveinv operation to the said pressure generating controluni-ts, and: air pressure venting means on said first mentioned control valve and hydraulicallyactuated pressure; generating means on said first mentioned control valve, and means connecting the other of. the saidcontrol valves with the said venting. means and: means connecting the other ofthe control valves. with the. said hydraulically actuated pressure: generating means, the: said first mentioned control valve being responsivein. operationto the said air pressure venting. means and the said. air pressure venting means being responsive in: operation to the operation of. the other of. the said control valves, the other of the said automatic: control valves being responsive in; operation to the-hydraulically actuatedpressure generating means and the hydraulically actuated pressure generating means being responsive in operation to the operation of the firstmentioned control" valve.

'7". In: a; fire extinguishing system including, distributing piping; having; normally closed fusible sprinklers thereon and: having air pressure confined in said distributing piping, by said. sprinklers, and a pair of. parallel connected. automatic valves in: connection: with the distributing piping controlling the: entrance: of fluid thereinto, one or the said pairs: of parallel: connected automatic valves; comprising a dry pipe valve responsive in operation: to loss of air pressure from the said distributing piping, and the other of the said automatic valves comprising a release controlled valve of the thermostatically actuated type, a system of thermostats in a fire zone in connection with the saidrelease controlled valve, the said release controlled valve being responsive in operation to the said system or thermostats, and actuating, means interconnecting the. said dry pipe valve and the said release controlled valve, each or the said valves being responsive in operationto the operation of the other.

8-. In a fire extinguish-ingsystem' including distributing piping having normally closed fusible sprinklers thereon and having air pressure confined in said distributing piping by said sprinklers, and a pair of parallel connected automatic valves in connection with the distributing piping controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, one of the said pairs of parallel connected automatic valves comprising a dry pipe valve responsive in operation to loss of air pressure from the said distributing piping, and the other of the said automatic valves comprising a valve having a controlling release of the thermostatically actuatedl type, a system of thermostats in a firezone inconnection with the said release, the said release being responsive in operation to the said system or thermostats, actuating means interconnecting the said dry pipe valve and the said release, the said actuating means of the said dry pipe valve being responsive in operation to the operation of the said release and the release being responsive in operation to the operation of the said dry pipe valve.

9-. Ina fire extinguishing system including distributing piping having normally closed fusible sprinklers thereon and having air pressure confined. in said distributing piping by said sprinklers, and a pair or". parallel connected automatic valves in. connection with the distributing piping controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, one of the said pair of parallel connected automatic valves. comprising adry pipe valve responsive in operation. to loss of air pressure from the said distributing piping, and the other of the said automatic valves comprising a valve having a controlling release of the thermostatically actuated type, a; system of thermostats in a fire zone and a plurality of remote control units in the fire zone and means connecting some of the said thermostats with each of the remote control units, the said remote control units being respongive in operation to the said thermostatsand connecting each of the said remote control units with the said release, the said release beingresponsive in operation to the operation or any one of the said remote control units, and actuating means interconnecting the said dry pipe valve and the said release, the said actuating means of the said dry pipe valve being responsive to the operation of the said release, and the release being responsive in operation to the operation of the said dry pipe valve, each of the said valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

1-0. In a fire extinguishing system including distributing piping having normally closed fusible sprinklers thereon and having air pressure confined in said: distributing piping by said sprinklers, and a pair of parallel connected automatic valves in connection with the distributing piping controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, one ot the said pair of parallel connected automatic valves comprising. 9,: dry pipe valve responsive in operation. to loss of air pressure from the said dis-i ing piping, and the other of the said emetic valves comprising a valve having a pressure responsive release, a system 01% pressure" generating thermostats in a fire zone pl rmality of ressure generating remote .trol: units the zone and means connecting some of the said thermos-tats with each of the remote control units, the said remote control being responsive in operation to the said thermostats, and means connecting each of the sail-i remote control units with the said release, the said release being responsive in operation to n. operation of any one of the said remote control units, and actuating means interconnecting the said dry pipe valve and the said release, the said actuating means of the said dry pipe valve being responsive to the operation of the said release, and the release being responsive in operation to the operation of the said dry pipe valve, each of the said valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

1].. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, heat fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes, a secondary automatic valve in connection with the said distributing pipes controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, heat responsive pressure generating means in connection with said secondary automatic valve, said secondary autmatic valve responsive in operation to said heat responsive pressure generating means, and actuating means interconnecting the said automatic valve and the said secondary automatic valve, each of the said valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

12. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, heat fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes, a secondary automatic valve in connection with the said distributing pipes controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, a plurality of heat responsive pressure generating devices and a plurality of pressure generating remote control units, several of the said heat responsive pressure generating devices in connection with each of the said remote control units, the said remote control units responsive in operation to the said heat responsive pressure generating devices, and means connecting the said pressure generating remote control units with the said secondary automatic valve, the said secondary automatic valve being responsive in operation to the said pressure generating remote control units, and actuating means interconnecting the said automatic valve and the secondary automatic valve, each of the said automatic valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

13. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, heat fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes, a secondary automatic valve in connection with the said distributing pipes controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, a plurality of heat responsive pressure generating devices and a plurality of pressure generating control units, several of the said heat responsive pressure generating devices in connection with each of the said pressure generating control units, the said pressure generating control units responsive in operation to the said heat responsive pressure generating devices, and means connecting the said pressure generating control units with the said secondary automatic valve, the said secondary automatic valve being responsive in operation to the pressure generating control units and actuating means interconnecting the said automatic valve 16 and the secondary valve, each of the said automatic valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

14. A fire extinguishing system having distributing pipes normally containing air pressure, heat fusible sprinklers on said pipes and an automatic valve in connection therewith controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, the said automatic valve responsive in operation to a reduction in the said air pressure in the distributing pipes, a secondary automatic valve in connection with the said distributing pipes controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, a plurality of heat responsive pressure generating devices and a plurality of mechanical pressure generating control units, several of the said heat responsive pressure generating devices in connection with each of the said mechanical pressure generating control units, the said mechanical pressure generating control units responsive in operation to the said heat responsive pressure generating devices, and means connecting the said mechanical pressure generating control units with the said secondary automatic valve, the said secondary automatic valve being responsive in operation to the mechanical pressure generating control units and actuating means interconnecting the said automatic valve and the secondary valve, each of the said automatic valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

15. In a fire extinguishing system including distributing piping having normally closed fusible sprinklers thereon and having air pressure confined in said distributing piping by said sprinklers, and a pair of parallel connected automatic valves in connection with the distributing piping controlling the entrance of fluid thereinto, one of the said pairs of parallel connected automatic valves comprising a dry pipe valve responsive in operation to loss of air pressure from the said distributing piping, and the other of the said automatic valves comprising a release controlled valve of the thermostatically actuated type, a system of heat responsive pressure generating thermostats in a fire zone in connection with the said release controlled valve, the said release controlled valve being responsive in operation to the said system of heat responsive pressure generating thermostats, and actuating means interconnecting the said dry pipe valve and the said release controlled valve, each of the said valves being responsive in operation to the operation of the other.

HARRY N. RIDER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Rider July 4, 1944 

